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7 <br /> Plan would be seriously considered. He indicated that <br /> several citizens had stated during the planning process <br /> that they would rather offer their time than see taxes <br /> increased. He noted that he felt the most unique, natural <br /> area in the County, Occoneechee Mountain had not been <br /> adequately addressed in the plan. Another area, property <br /> already owned by the County along Seven Mile Creek and <br /> identified by consultants as a significantly unusual area, <br /> could be designated as park land. He stated that Pegge <br /> Abrams, Chair of the Cheeks TAC, had informed him that <br /> Cheeks residents were very much interested in recreational <br /> facilities that provided picnic areas and tot lots for <br /> children and desired to see walkway/greenway areas and <br /> swimming pools. <br /> Chair Marshall asked Mr. Stewart if the reports that <br /> Corporation Lake may silt up completely have been <br /> considered. Mr. Stewart responded that that report as well <br /> as others were considered in the planning process. <br /> Lorraine Parker, Chair of the Recreation and Parks Advisory <br /> Council, expressed pride that the project was almost <br /> completed. She stated that the purpose of the Master <br /> Recreation and Parks Plan is to assess the current and <br /> future recreation and park needs for Orange County <br /> citizens. Well planned recreational activites and <br /> facilities have an impact on the quality of life in a <br /> community by providing space for the release of stress <br /> created by every day demands on people. Also, a well <br /> planned system for recreation contributes to the <br /> stabilization of a community, a neighborhood and a county. <br /> A recreational system facilitates interaction of residents, <br /> promotes community awareness and creates a sense of pride <br /> among the residents. She continued that the Plan will <br /> guide community leaders in the orderly and adequate <br /> provision of leisure opportunities. She stated the Plan <br /> must be adopted, not just accepted, and used in daily <br /> planning. It was designed to become an element in the <br /> County's Comprehensive Plan. It was written to be flexible <br /> but responsive to the preservation and protection of the <br /> recreational needs of Orange County citizens. She reminded <br /> the Boards that the recreation needs and demands are <br /> greater now than in 1974 when a previous plan was written. <br /> She expressed the concern that Orange County must have <br /> long-range goals in every area of human services to provide <br /> for its citizens. <br /> Richard Ward presented the steps in the process of the <br /> creation of the Draft Plan beginning with the assembling of <br /> the project team to the awarding of the contract to <br /> Woolpert and Associates in late March. He referenced the <br /> public information meetings and noted that comments and <br /> concerns from those meetings were incorporated with the <br /> final draft being presented at this public hearing. He <br /> expressed thanks to the public for their attendance and <br />